How to use the MP4 to WMV converter
- Choose your MP4 video or drop it on the box.
- Check the settings. "Same as original" resolution is fastest. Lower it to 720p for a smaller file.
- Click "Convert to WMV". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your WMV.
Why convert MP4 to WMV?
Older Windows software, PowerPoint 2007–2010 and some corporate systems work best with WMV. MP4 to WMV makes a video compatible with them.
- MP4: usually lossy, so quality drops a little each time it is re-encoded.
- WMV: plays on older Windows PCs without extra software.
- WMV: fairly small files for its era.
WMV files are larger than MP4 at the same quality; use only when a system asks for WMV.
MP4 vs WMV
| MP4 | WMV | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Part 14 | Windows Media Video |
| Type | Video | Video |
| Created by | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) (2001) | Microsoft (1999) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | H.264 + AAC | WMV (VC-1) + WMA |
| Best for | Sharing videos online, phone recordings, social media uploads and streaming | Older Windows Movie Maker projects and legacy corporate videos |
| Plays on | Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, game consoles and every modern browser | Windows Media Player and Movies & TV on Windows, and VLC; Macs, iPhones and browsers do not play WMV natively |
Does converting MP4 to WMV lose quality?
MP4 (H.264) has to be re-encoded to WMV (WMV (VC-1)). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
How long does it take?
Re-encoding video uses your device's processor. A short clip takes seconds; a 10-minute 1080p video can take several minutes. Choosing 720p makes it 2–3 times faster.
What is an MP4 file?
MP4 is a container that usually holds H.264 or H.265 video with AAC sound. It is built on Apple's QuickTime file structure and became an ISO standard in 2001. Because almost every phone, browser, TV and editing app can play it, MP4 is the safest choice when you need a video to just work.
What is a WMV file?
WMV is Microsoft's Windows Media video format, stored in the ASF container. It was common for Windows Movie Maker exports and early web video in the 2000s.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the MP4 to WMV converter cost?
Nothing. It is free with no registration, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Will the WMV sound and look as good as the MP4?
MP4 (H.264) has to be re-encoded to WMV (WMV (VC-1)). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
Can I convert WMV back to MP4?
Yes, use the WMV to MP4 converter.
An MP4 plays without sound. What should I do?
The audio may use a codec your player does not support (for example AC3). Convert it to MP4 again so the sound becomes AAC.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes, in Safari, Chrome and other modern mobile browsers. Short files work best on phones; for long or high-resolution videos a computer is faster.